Having pledged to uphold their sworn responsibility to serve and protect the welfare of their constituents, a total of 528 newly-elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials took oath before the Valenzuelanos in the Mass Oath-taking Ceremonies 2023, officiated by Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri. The ceremony took place at  WES Arena in Barangay Punturin on November 14, 2023.

Valenzuela City’s newly elected Barangay and SK officials hailing from 33 barangays gathered at WES Arena to partake in Mass Oath-taking Ceremonies 2023 this morning. The Senate President, Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, presided over the declaration of the “Oath of Office” which the incoming public servants recited in chorus. Honorable public officials led by Senator WIN Gatchalian, DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian, Mayor WES Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, Congressman Eric Martinez, the councilors, and the rest of Valenzuelanos witnessed this crucial event.

Prior to the declaration, the renowned public officials shared messages of encouragement to incoming Barangay and SK officers and emphasized what it takes to be a public servant. Mayor WES Gatchalian stated, “Lahat ng mga ginagawa natin — ang mga magagandang programang nakagisnan natin sa ating mahal na Lungsod; ito ay collaborative effort. Hindi lamang ang mayor ang magaling sa paglilingkod; importanteng-importante po ang partnership at cooperation ng ating Liga, mga barangay, ang SK, at ang ating City Council.” 

DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian reminded the new officers not to undermine their two (2) years of service. “Kahit na 2 years lang ang term na ito; that’s 730 days. Huwag natin nila-’lang’ ang 730 days; kung hindi, 730 days iyan to make a difference in the lives of every single Valenzuelano.”  Meanwhile, Senator Migz Zubiri focused on the assistance of the Senate for barangay development in terms of policy-making.

The day before the oath-taking ceremony, the newly elected SK officials underwent a tedious seminar and training facilitated by former SK officials and the outgoing SK Federation President, Councilor Goyong Serrano. This training focused on discussing the means of becoming a public servant, where they tackled critical topics such as their roles and responsibilities, budget allocation, prioritization, etc. This aims to assess the incoming officials and prepare them for their responsibilities before beginning to work.

The Barangay and SK officials are now able to assume office after the oath-taking ceremony for as long as the proper turnover of property accountabilities of their respective barangays is secured.